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Intro

Forests steeped in legend, alpine meadows in hibernation, and the unique landscape of the Alpstein mountains in plain sight. This winter hike at the foot of Hoher Kasten offers an exceptional experience and is suitable for hikers in good physical condition.

Description

The circular tour starts at the valley station of the Hoher Kasten cable car. Between pretty Appenzell farmhouses, the mainly flat winter hiking trail leads along a country road up to the Pfannenstiel. Here you leave the pastures behind and enter the shady forest of the Brüeltobel. The trail leads uphill through the steep Brüeltobel to the Plattenbödeli mountain inn. Halfway up, you pass through the legendary Häxewäldli with its centuries-old dwarf firs and the cosy Rompeli hut. The fir trees' stunted growth is partly due to the barren, permafrost-like soil.

When you arrive at the mountain inn, take a deep breath and enjoy the view of the imposing Stauberenkanzel. The sun terrace framed by dark fir trees invites you to take a well-deserved break. From Plattenbödeli, the winter hiking trail leads through the sparse forest to the gently rolling meadows of Alp Soll. Where the bells of the cows and goats ring across the pastures in summer, you can enjoy the silence of the alp in deep winter sleep. Arriving at the Ruhesitz mountain inn, the Alpstein reveals itself in all its splendour. The view stretches from the three Alpstein chains far over the hills of Appenzellerland. The path down into the valley leads through open terrain past the Rossberg property to the tour's starting point in Brülisau. The descent will reward you with plenty of afternoon sun and a wonderful Alpstein panorama. If you want to shorten the tour, rent a sledge at the Ruhesitz mountain inn and whizz down into the valley on the Ruhesitz sledge run.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Brülisau
Destination
Brülisau
Ascent
460 m
Descent
460 m
Distance
9 km
Duration
3 h 35 min
Physical requirements
Medium
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Contact

Appenzellerland Tourismus AI
Hauptgasse 4
9050  Appenzell

Phone  +41 (0)71 788 96 41
info@appenzell.ch
appenzell.ch

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 113

Distance

9 km

Duration

3 h 35 min

Ascent

460 m

Travel information: Brülisau

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